The commission would then have the power to send cases to the attorney general's office. Vermont is one of the few states without an ethics commission.

Included in the bill is a call for statewide candidates to release their tax returns. The bill requires lawmakers to disclose sources of income above $5,000.

"I think we all agree that faith and trust in government has diminished over the years,even here in vermont," Scott said. "This bill is a positive step forward to demonstrate toVermonters that its elected officials are committed to restoring that faith andtrust across all three branches of state government."

Opponents of the bill said the disclosure requirements will turn some people away from running for office.

Supporters said the bill will rebuild confidence in the political process and help lawmakers avoid conflicts of interest.

“Vermont will be the first state in the nation to require tax transparency from statewide candidates," Vermont Public Interest Research Group executive director Paul Burns said. "While it has been customary for candidates to release their tax returns, this law will mandate the practice and establish clear ground rules for everyone.”

The bill was limited to statewide candidates for public office and did not include candidates for president or vice president.

It also prohibits certain employment after a legislator leaves public office.